Maryland PSC Approves Fourmile Wind Farm Proposal

GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA - MAY 5: Three of four wind turbines operate on May 5, 2012 in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The turbines generate enough electricity to supply about a quarter of the peak power needed for base operations. Khalid Sheik Mohammed and four alleged accomplices will be arraigned on charges including 2976 counts of murder during the September 11th terrorist attacks. (Photo by Walter Michot-Pool/The Miami Herald via Getty Images) (Photo by Walter Michot-Pool/The Miami Herald via Getty Images)

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Maryland Public Service Commission has approved a proposal to build a wind power project near Frostburg.

PSC spokeswoman Regina Davis said the proposal was approved Wednesday. Fourmile Wind Energy LLC has proposed building the project on Fourmile Ridge and the western slope of Big Savage Mountain. The company has said it hopes to begin operating by year end. The project prompted concerns from environmentalists because much of the site is in areas designated by the state as sensitive because of rare, threatened and endangered species. A company official testified the project has been designed to avoid affecting sensitive areas.

The project calls for up to 24 wind turbines. Fourmile is a subsidiary of Annapolis-based Synergics, which built the Backbone Mountain wind power farm.